Discussion

By Dr Joe Webb on Apr 18, 2010

Thanks for the mention, Cary. I also recommend Inbound Marketing http://www.amazon.com/Inbound-Marketing-Found-Google-Social/dp/0470499311

A lot of social media stories seem like you have to get lucky and that the big success stories seem like catching lightning in a bottle. Success in social media appears to be shaping up to require diligent and regular use of its media. That requires planning almost equivalent to an editorial calendar that a publication would have. It's a marvelous opportunity.

By Adam Dewitz on Apr 18, 2010

I also recommend New Community Rules: Marketing on the Social Web. It is one of the best primers on social media that I have read. I would start with this book before dropping the $150 on the MediaBistro course. Google Books has http://books.google.com/books?id=Wfk_HzC7bS8C&lpg=PP1&ots=jFiKcs6L2g&dq=New%20Community%20Rules%3A%20Marketing%20on%20the%20Social%20Web.&pg=PA23#v=onepage&q&f=false" rel="nofollow">the first few chapters online to review

By Paul Edwards on Apr 18, 2010

Lots of Social Networking and Social Media noise. In the midst of that there are still millions of pepople who have a very strong Passion for Print.

If you are one of those people, especially one who owns or works for a graphic arts/printing/publishing/direct mail company, make sure you continue to blow your print industry horn so that you are heard amongst all of this noise.

Take a look in the mirror. As a member of the graphics arts industry are you investing in your print future and in the promotion of the print side of your company? Do you use print to promote your company? Are you educating your production team, your sales team and your customers on the high value and power of today's offset and digital print?

While we are not ignoring the social media noise and opportunities, during the last three years, FormStore Incorporated has made significant investments in the digital print side of our business. You can take a quick tour at www.formstore.com/digital.pdf.

BTW, please also join FormStore's Face Book fan page. Everyone who becomes a fan will automatically be entered into a drawing each month for some amazing prizes. This month's prizes are copies of Kodak CMO, Jeff Hayzlett's new book, "The Mirror Test". Become a FormStore Face Book fan today to be eligible for the prize drawing. Next month will be another exciting prize for free digital print or direct mail.

Paul Edwards
CEO
FormStore
Twitter @predwards

By Scott Cappel on Apr 24, 2010

Promoting your printing company with social media takes time, effort and most of all a plan. Besides some of the excellent books already mentioned, I would suggest spending some time reading content on http://www.mashable.com and learning from what others are doing.

There is no magic bullet with social media just like there is no magic bullet with most things. But a willingness to learn how to use these new tools in conjunction with traditional methods will elevate market awareness of your company, your brand and the offerings you provide.

By Chuck on Apr 27, 2010

The book Adam recommends is excellent (as are most published by O'Reilly.)

First, read this: http://bit.ly/d6GVOZ